Kanye West – Source: Scott Dudelson / Getty
Los Angeles pop-up with unreleased YeezyGap shut down by the LAPD after Kanye West’s team alleged the inventory was stolen.
Kanye West’s partnership with GAP ended abruptly in the middle of mass production for their highly anticipated clothing collaboration. This weekend we found out what happened to the 60,000 unreleased garments from the collaboration in an odd way. Somehow the popular resell shop Urban Necessities ended up with truckloads of the product and announced a last-minute pop-up in Los Angeles.
On March 15, a pop-up was announced at Shoe Surgeon’s SRGN studios, and before it opened had a line down the block. Also, to add to the hype every item was priced at $20 like Kanye West’s official site. As the pop-up got under way the CEO of YEEZY and founder of American Apparel Don Charney showed up alleging the product was stolen from YE.
Reportedly LAPD shut the event down after Charney showed up to launch an investigation into the allegations.
According to Complex, LAPD confirmed the investigation took place over the alleged theft. Furthermore, LAPD revealed they labeled the dispute a civil matter.
“On March 15, 2024, around 10:30 a.m., a radio call was generated for possible theft suspects on the 3800 block of S. Hill Street,” said a rep for the LAPD. “Comments of the call stated suspects were selling stolen merchandise at the location. Additional units were requested due to a large group creating a disturbance. Detectives and officers investigated and it was determined to be a civil dispute only.”
Urban Necessities and SRGN have a reputation for doing good business, so the allegations shocked social media.
According to HYPEBEAST, both parties released a joint statement revealing LAPD investigated the matter and allegedly cleared them of any wrongdoing in the matter.
“We work with brands, consignors, partners, and clients from all over the world. We only deal in products that are fully authenticated from vetted sources. The YZY Gap Collection is no different. LAPD has investigated the fraudulent claims and have fully exonerated us from any allegations of misconduct. Thank you to our community of supporters, stay tuned for what’s next…”
With the issue being a civil matter it could still find its way to a courtroom in the future. However, it could be tricky following the money and hands that exchanged the stockpile of 60,000 YZY Gap pieces. Hopefully, all parties can come together and find a reasonable solution.